Family Friendly Things to do in Great Yarmouth. This summer we visited Great Yarmouth for the first time as a family. There is SO MUCH to do for families there and we only fit in a very small subset of what there was. We concentrated on a group of attractions all within a few minutes walk of each other on the seafront but I really think there is enough to keep you busy for days (budget allowing!).
Hippodrome Circus
43A St George’s Rd, Great Yarmouth NR30 2EU
The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth is Britain’s last surviving ‘total circus’ building. They run two shows a day in the summer, one mid afternoon and one in the evening. They also have Halloween and Christmas shows, which, if I were closer I definitely would go and watch as I bet they are amazing.
There is a mix of comedy, acrobats, jugglers and stunts with some cracking music and an excellent light show. There is also synchronised swimming! (random but fabulous!).
See our review of the Hippodrome Circus Summer Spectacular here.
Merrivale Model Village
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG
Merrivale Model Village is a lovely relaxed attraction, perfect for all ages. There are so many model houses from stately homes to small village houses, railway stations to a cricket pitch. There is also crazy golf included in your admission, and a fabulous vintage old penny arcade to play in afterwards. Tickets are valid for 7 consecutive days from purchase too!
See our review of Merrivale Model Village here.
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3AH
If underwater creatures are more your thing then SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth is perfect for you. Inside you will find different aquarium zones such as ‘Jelly Invaders’, where you will learn all about the life cycle of a jellyfish as well as seeing some incredible specimens of these eerie but beautiful creatures.
I also love the Ocean Tunnel, a glass tunnel through a huge tropical ocean display where you can see some of the largest inhabitants of SEA LIFE such as green sea turtles and reef sharks. My favourite are the cute Penguins!
See our review of SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth here.
The Pleasure Beach
S Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3EH
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a fantastic amusement park with family and scary rides, amusements, stalls and food. Have a go at a rollercoaster or play it safe in the fun 4D cinema. If you are not scared of heights (like me!) have a ride on the monorail to get some great views. You can pay per ride or for the best value, buy a wristband that gives you unlimited rides all day!
See our review of Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach here.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Filby Rd, Thrigby, Great Yarmouth NR29 3DR
Thrigby Hall has a collection of rare animals that you can view from wooden walkways. They have some really exotic big cats like a pair of critically endangered Sumatran Tigers, a pair of Snow Leopards, an Amur Leopard, Clouded Leopard and an Asian Golden Cat. They also have some cuties like meercats, otters and red pandas. The Hall is open every day from 10am and as well as viewing the animals you can take part in informative animal feed talks.
